Monday January 09, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Where is this man’s position on Why are the parking meter holidays only for a particular group? the D’Urban Park conspiracy? DEAR EDITOR; should be used.
DEAR EDITOR, I and only I will decide when to bring closure to my conversation with this propagandist called Tacuma Ogunseye. I will never give these kind of people the power to determine my right to expose the abuses against the poor and the working class. What he failed to recognize is I withstood Kwame Mckoy who was 10 times smarter than him at propaganda, so why does he think his baseless comments will cause me to cower? Let me explain to the Guyanese people my role; it is simple - oppose, expose and highlight acts of oppression against the poor and the working class irrespective if the PNC or PPP rules Guyana. When that Durban Park fraud was committed on the nation, where was the voice of Tacuma Ogunseye? For me all that matters is the views of the masses and I
am convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt I will be accepted in any community of Guyana for my principled stance on the issues irrespective of who is in power. Tacuma cannot say the same for himself because he is nothing but a bigoted mind who cannot contribute to a Guyana of ethnic reconciliation. He thinks, dreams and lives ethnic politics every moment of his life and is not interested in the civil rights of the poor and the working class. A word of caution to this propagandist; if he cannot debate issues and raise his game intellectually, then get out of the public kitchen. Simple! As I conclude my conversation with Tacuma I want to reflect on the genesis of the debate. I started by exposing this draconian 2017 Budget that did very little for the poor and the working class. Even today I am reading of the drastic
increases in the charges on the owners of animal driven carts but Tacuma is cool with that because he is a classic hypocrite. He is cool with pressuring the poor to pay him his G$8 million a year salary. Eusi Kwayana will never do that to the poor cart vendor I am shocked at the quality of due diligence the Granger administration used as it selected its officials. How can they let someone who made deals with the PPP into such a sensitive role? Do we now understand why the PPP are always 10 steps ahead of the SARU outfit when it comes to the asset recovery process? This government must be warned, Tacuma’s politics is old. Tacuma Ogunseye is an embarrassment to the Granger administration and the earlier they recognize what an outdated person he is, the better for them. Sasenarine Singh
Thelma Ribeiro is first and foremost, a human being DEAR EDITOR; Thelma Ribeiro has been languishing in the public health system since the 8th day of March, 2016. A letter was sent to the former Minister of Public Health who later publicly denied having any personal knowledge of her case. It is my hope that with a change in management of the public health system that a commission of inquiry can be set up to look into what really happened to Thelma Ribeiro. It has been over ten months now that she has been a patient in the system. Surgery was done at the Lethem Hospital to remove gallstones; however according to the doctors who did the surgery, they were unable to remove the stones. She was then referred to the Georgetown hospital where the stones were removed in another surgery a few days later. It is after
this second surgery that Thelma Ribeiro developed complications which led to her being in a comatose state. Additional minor surgery was done to insert a tube into her windpipe so that she could breathe after she was removed from the life support machine. She was then transferred back to Lethem, where she is today. I am writing seeking an intervention by the new Minister of Public Health to set up a commission of inquiry to ascertain what really happened to Ms Thelma Ribeiro. A full investigation must be launched immediately before information gets lost. Thelma is a mother, a wife, a grandmother, a human being who is Guyanese and deserves to be treated like any other Guyanese passing through the health system. Michael Mc Garrell
The nation needs an update on that US$5 owed to NICIL DEAR EDITOR; The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC), while in Opposition, alleged repeatedly, that National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) was used by the PPP/Civic Administration to hoard billions of dollars and to siphoned off a way from the treasury billions of dollars. The Minister of Finance cannot now make the vacuous statement that “NICIL not as rich as it used to be” (Kaieteur News headline). As the custodian of public funds, the Minister must now explain to the public to where have the
billions, which were allegedly hoarded by NICIL under the PPP/C Government gone. Since the Minister is speaking about NICIL and it’s not too rich a status, the Minister ought to also update the nation on the status of the US$5M owed to NICIL for the sale of the GT&T shares. The time for the payment of that sum of money under the agreement by which those shares were sold has long expired. The nation needs to be told what steps, if any, are being taken by this administration to recover those monies. During the 2015 budget debates, the Minister had promised to transfer all these monies into
the Consolidated Fund. In fact, this was also a major platform promise made in the elections campaign by the APNU+AFC. Nineteen months after, the Minister ought to account to the nation how much money have been transferred from these account to the Consolidated Fund and if all the monies have not been transferred as he promised, he must give the reasons why he is breaching his own promise. Anil Nandlall
The great Nelson Mandela from South Africa has said it beautifully- education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. For us to progress as a nation, we must continuously educate ourselves, looking at the lessons and practices of developed nations to chart our way, Guyana seems to be readying itself for change in a big way, starting with oil. It is looking at the best practices of other big producers and asking for help. Recently, there was a debate on the installation of parking meters in the city. Some felt that Guyana was not ready for it. Others believed that the deal was not transparent. However, the city and the company have decided to forge ahead with the project. On January 1st, 2017 in the Kaieteur News’ New Year’s Day edition, there were two full page ads by the company extolling the values of the parking meters and how they
However, my eyes were drawn to a part of the ad which spoke of the hours that drivers will be charged for parking, specifically, the company, Smart City Solutions, said that it will not be charging for parking on New Year’s Day, Republic Day, Independence Day, Easter Monday, Good Friday, Labour Day and Christmas Day. Mr. Editor, surely this must be a mistake. Who did the city and company consult with? What about Phagwah, Diwali, Eid, Indian Arrival Day and even Labour Day? This is totally unacceptable. I want to feel that not much thought went into this. There can be no other reason. The Hindu and Muslim organizations should be paying close attention to this and should raise their voices too. Smart City and the Mayor and City Councillors need to correct this mistake, ASAP. Cobeer Persaud
FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT IS FAR FROM ABSOLUTE DEAR EDITOR; Oft-times, one is never sure if Anil Nandlall purposely misrepresents the law and the constitution merely for propaganda effect or if he truly believes all he says. His latest effort, in the letter column in last Saturday’s Stabroek News and Kaieteur News, targets the passage last week of the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill 2016. Mr. Nandlall claims that section 45 of the bill is unconstitutional. As background, the amended section firstly grants the Commissioner of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) the power to prevent delinquent VAT payers from leaving the country until they have cleared their tax obligations and, secondly, removes the obligation of the commissioner to first obtain an Order of the Court to do so. Mr. Nandlall’s argument exposes several strands of misunderstanding and/or mischief. First, he implies falsely that personal freedoms are untouchable. But no freedom is absolute in any part of the world, and national constitutions include a host of restrictions on rights and freedoms. Our freedom of speech, for instance, does not extend
to hate speeches. The very Article 148(1) on the freedom of movement, to which Nandlall anchors his position, lists as many as eight restrictions on travel. Of relevance to the issue at hand, Section 148(3)(h) states that a law that restricts the right of a person to leave Guyana is constitutional if that law is “reasonably required” to “secure the fulfillment of obligations imposed on that person by law”. In Nandlall’s second misunderstanding/mischief, he wants us to believe such travel restrictions are unique to Guyana or to PNC regimes. Far from true. Countries around the world restrict travel by defining “reasonably required” (or Lord Denning’s “on surest grounds”) to include paying tax debts, child support, and government loans. A case in point: last year, President Obama signed into law the FAST Act, which permits the US government— without a court order—to deny a passport to, or revoke a passport of, any citizen identified by the IRS as seriously delinquent in their tax obligations. Restrictions on travel are therefore not a PNC invention, but a common
mechanism worldwide to force delinquent citizens to honor their civic duties. Thirdly, Nandlall asks plaintively and rhetorically: “Why would a government want to stop a person from travelling without notifying him? Why would a government want to take away a constitutional right of a person to leave Guyana, without offering him a hearing in accordance with the rules of natural justice and due process?” Evidently, Nandlall did not read Section 45(2) of the VAT Act, which clearly states that the Commissioner of GRA must serve notice on the person involved. This brings us to Nandlall’s complaint that Section 45 of the VAT amendment bill removes the need for a court order. In the administration of the state, court orders are the exception rather than the rule. So, the university can expel a student, and GPL and GWI can cut off essential services to households without court orders, despite the constitutional implications of these moves. A court order in the VAT case is unnecessary for several reasons: the restriction on travel is limited; there is no charge, arrest, Continued on page 6
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Some people seek to slander statesmen and revolutionaries DEAR EDITOR; I wish to respond to a letter written by Sasenarine Singh in your newspaper dated January 1, 2017 with the caption “APNU+AFC should not trust Tacuma Ogunseye”. According to Sasenarine Singh he knows that Mr. Ogunseye requested monies from the PPP, that he knows Ogunseye called Professor Thomas “too old” for the job and criticized the Granger administration for not making him head of SARU. He even went so far as to accuse Ogunseye of playing a role in Dr. Rodney’s death. All of these are slanderous statements. Sasenarine Singh has the right to disagree with Mr. Ogunseye’s defense of the National Budget but he has no right to slander his name. He has now joined the company of Sultan
Mohamed, another character who feels that slandering and demeaning the contribution of statesman and revolutionaries will bring them some form of political redemption with those that they seek to curry favour. I have known Mr. Ogunseye for over thirty years and have the highest regard for his integrity and his selfless contribution to Guyana’s modern political development. Editor, I was a member of the Patriotic Coalition for Democracy (PCD) from its inception, representing the Anglican Bishop of Guyana and at no time did Mr. Ogunseye’s contribution to the discourse for national reconciliation been anything other than exemplary. Sasenarine Singh should produce evidence to support his accusations Keith Branch
Questions GuySuCo and the Prime Minister should answer DEAR EDITOR; I must remind my fellow citizens that GuySuCo produced 231, 145t sugar at end of 2015. In commenting on performance, GuySuCo’s CEO in his yearend media engagements concluded that 2015 performance was due to “lack of political interference” stating that “we have been allowed to manage”. He further posited that “My mind is now on 2016. We will be working to achieve 240,000 t so we have to start refining our strategies to be able to be on top of our game.”- Guyana Chronicle, Dec. 26th, 2015. As a result of 2015 performance, Government renewed a contract for the Interim Management Committee (IMC). In this renewal process, in January 2016, the IMC (CEO + Finance Director) approved an adjustment to their own benefits package to obtain a higher net income as
Monday January 09, 2017
Kaieteur News
compared to when they assumed office in June 2015. Today, they receive G$5.2M and G$2.5M per month respectively apart from other perks. The IMC may refute this and should provide evidence to justify their claims. After telling this nation in December 2015 that no political interference contributed to increase in sugar production, engineering a bigger net income for himself and sidekick and reassuring everyone that they will be “on top” of their game to achieve 240,000t sugar in 2016, the IMC delivers a production of 183,652t. A whopping 24% drop from a target of 240,000t and a 25 year low for this Government. Incidentally, it is also this Government’s second lowest production record while managing the country in different eras. This performance bears every characteristic of gross
Freedom of movement... From page 5 fines or forfeiture; and removing any burden is procedurally simple (just make full payment or a satisfactory arrangement to pay). Editor, the non-payment of VAT is at crisis level. As Finance Minister Jordan explained during last week’s parliamentary debate on the bill, this non-payment is an outrageous form of tax evasion, for it involves other people’s (our) money that businesses collect on behalf of the government. When a business keeps this money for its own use, then the government’s frustration is understandable. Having taken care of Mr. Nandlall’s arguments, I wish to propose a further amendment to the act—and to such laws in general where the government restricts rights and freedoms (such as property and privacy rights) in its efforts to target proceeds of crime and tax evasion. There is a point where the penalty (as a restriction or invasion) becomes excessive in relation to the offense. A disproportionality emerges between crime and punishment. Even if I owe a mere G$1,000 in tax, the law as written allows the government to stop me leaving the country. One may argue that the government will not target such petty amounts, but people in government are given to pettiness due to overzealousness or vindictiveness. The cure lies in the approach used in the START Act in the US where the delinquency must be serious, defined as above US$50,000. As a simple safeguard, therefore, both the income tax and VAT acts should define a threshold before action is warranted. Sherwood Lowe
incompetence of the IMC and misguidance to Government. The IMC is a well-paid, incompetent, clueless and visionless twoman team. Fellow citizens, if Government is unwilling to ask, it is time that we ask ourselves some questions: (1) How long will this administration continue to pay an IMC G$7.7/month for this level of incompetence? (2) Did GuySuCo’s CEO deliberately mislead this Government and nation on 2016 estimate of 240,000t? (3) What caused a drop of 24% from target? El-Nino and Strikes are worn out excuses of the past. (4) Did heavy political interference in management cause this 24% drop in production (using the CEO’s reasoning)? (5) Is this CEO working towards closing the industry without providing alternative employment to poor workers? Is this his vision? (6) What is the projected sugar production for 2017? Will this CEO mislead Government and mismanage again? Editor, I ask our Government and specifically our Honourable Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security who were very vociferous on sugar prior to assuming office to answer these questions. Sookram Persaud
A senior City Hall official owns three music carts DEAR EDITOR; May I take this opportunity on behalf of my family and I to wish the Publisher, Editors and staff of your newspaper a happy and productive 2017. Editor I wish to make reference to Ms. Amber Valentine’s letter in your Sunday Kaieteur News under the caption “Music carts are a violation of our right to have peace.” In which an appeal is being made to the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown to take urgent action to have this situation of noise nuisance be addressed. Indeed this situation has been allowed to exist for too long, notwithstanding the many reports and calls that were made. I wish Miss Valentine call will invoke
action by the city council, since many attempts by myself at this very entity has proven futile. Having this result I was able to carry out my own investigation based on the training I would have received into the inactiveness of the City Constabulary to deal with this issue. To my dismay what I found out during my investigation is that a senior Officer of the City Constabulary is the owner of no less than three (3) music carts that ply their trade around the city. The operators of the cart are allowed to play their music to the highest anywhere and everywhere and dare any member of the City Constabulary to approach or take any form of corrective action since they are fearful
of action taken against them by the owner (the senior officer) which includes being verbally abused and the use of explicit language. Editor what is most disturbing is the fact that this senior officer is the most controversial officer of the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown hence with this in mind, I, like Miss Valentine would like to see an immediate end to such lawlessness. However based on what I was able to ascertain from my investigations and my previous attempts to have this situation remedied, I have now concluded that people like myself and Miss Valentine are only flagging a dead horse due to the fact the enforcers are the perpetrators. Garfield Boston
The executive arm of GuySuCo is being expanded DEAR EDITOR; There is an absolute silence from the government and GuySuCo on the sugar company’s dismal performance in 2016 when 183,600 tonnes of sugar was produced against an estimated 231,000; a drop of 47,400 tonnes or 21%. This drop would have brought in almost US$24 million or G$4.8 billion in revenue. This amount could have certainly afforded the sugar workers more than a token increase in pay and reduce the burden on taxpayers who have been, and are still, providing hefty annual subsidies to the company. The production in 2016 is the lowest since 1990 when 129,000 tonnes was produced. The silence is a marked contrast to the mounting self-praise by the company’s CEO, the board and the government at the end of 2015 when 231,000 tonnes was produced. The praise was showered on the astute leadership of senior management, non-political interference and dedication by lower-level management and workers. In the same way that reasons were advanced for the good 2015 performance, they need now to say what the contributing reasons for 2016 dismal performance are. The nation needs to hear, and in particular the taxpayers. The sugar company was blessed last year with weather that was considered very conducive to harvesting, except for inclement weather towards the tail-end of the 2nd crop; as such one would not expect weather to be a contributing factor. The type of weather experienced last year through the effect of El Nino was absent from several previous years.
There is every likelihood that labour will be hammered as a factor, but before doing so the company needs to state how many mandays were lost from strikes associated to poor working conditions in harvesting fields. When the average cane yield last year was just above 55 tonnes cane per hectare, what could the average cane harvester expect in the cane fields? It will not be fields highly populated with canes, but fields sparsely populated with canes and highly populated with grass and shrubs. This kind of insanitary condition would have certainly led to disputes, poor attendance, low productivity and ultimately strikes. Editor, it appears that the company has lost focus on its primary function which is to produce sugar at an economical cost, and which could only come about through growing and harvesting good quality canes with acceptable yields. The low level of production as experienced in 2016 could only serve management’s thrust to justify closures and downsizing, but whilst it’s being bandied that the company’s operations should be downsized, the executive arm of the company is being expanded. Only recently, there have been newly created jobs at the executive levels and which have been filled at exorbitant costs. Is it that this company is all about enjoying the perks at the high level and providing jobs for the boys or should it be showing the nation on whose taxes it survives that there is optimism for growth and survival? Unfortunately, 2016 illustrates the former. Selwyn Narinedatt
Monday January 09, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Govt. setting stage to name GNBS certifies 10 laboratories its own GECOM Chairman The rejection of the nominees for Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) by President David Granger indicates a new level of election rigging. This is according to PPP Executive Member, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy. The former Minister of Agriculture said that it is a repudiation of the APNU+AFC Coalition and a declaration that the People’s National Congress (PNC) is now essentially the government. He opined that it is also a declaration that the PNC will stay in power for as long as they wish, not through electoral mandate, but through machinations of the electoral process. In short, Dr. Ramsammy believes that a new era of rigging is now being entrenched. “We should not be under any illusion. APNU+AFC has decided to stay in government for as long as
- Ramsammy
Dr. Leslie Ramsammy they can get away with it, without the will of the people. They have implemented a strategy to repeat what the PNC did between 1968 and 1992 and that is to rig elections in order to remain in power.” Dr. Ramsammy via a missive to the media said that the government’s latest move in this regard sees the rejection of the nominees for
the Chairmanship of GECOM from the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo. He said that this is the Government clearly setting the stage to name a Chairman, in their own deliberate judgment, a person that will carry out instructions from APNU+AFC, in the same sinister fashion as Judge Harry Bollers did prior to 1992. “President Granger has indicated that the reason for rejecting the six nominees from Bharat Jagdeo, the Leader of the Opposition, is that the constitution demands the Chairman be a Judge, as Bollers was. But under the agreement and the amended constitution, the Chairman of GECOM is selected by the President from a list of six persons nominated by the Leader of (Continued on page 21)
Grocery van robbery caught on CCTV…
Vehicle still to be located as cops question one person
This photo shows the Raum (left) as it approaches the goods van (right). Arrows indicate One person is being questioned as investigators try to close in on the small gang that broke into and emptied a grocery van parked in front of the La Penitence Market on Saffon Street, Georgetown around 1:28hrs on Saturday. The entire robbery was captured on surveillance camera. Divisional Commander, Clifton Hicken said that the person police are grilling is not a suspect, but is being questioned because of information police have received. The vehicle the thieves used has not yet been located, and the police are seeking another individual. Three men in a black Toyota Raum were seen on surveillance footage breaking into and emptying a grocery van. From the footage, the
registration number on the front of the vehicle appears to be HC 5334 or HC 5354. The number plate on the back of the car appears to be different from the one on the front—it reads HC 3344 or HC 1344. Based on the CCTV footage, the black Raum came out of Hogg Street, Albouystown, and parked at the junction of Sussex (eastern side) and Saffon Streets. Its occupants observed salespersons removing boxes from the van and taking it into the market. When the workers entered the market, the Raum turned onto Saffon Street and parked alongside the grocery van. One man exited and went into the market through the first gate. Another man also went into the market. Shortly after, the men returned to the van. CCTV footage recorded
one of them breaking the window with an object and he began putting items into the Raum with the help of the other suspect. The men then re-entered the vehicle and drove south along Saffon Street. A police car even passed while the men were parked alongside the goods van, observing the surroundings. The stallholder said that his workers had just entered the market with one load and when they returned to the van they noticed it had been emptied. The suspects escaped with two bags containing milk powder, three cases of one pound butter and one case of mayonnaise. Only a few weeks ago, the stallholder’s mother was robbed at gunpoint as she was getting into a taxi. No one was arrested.
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has certified ten laboratories to provide service to the public. A laboratory certification is the process by which a third party gives written assurance and recognition that a laboratory is conforming to specified requirements. Eight medical laboratories and two non–medical ones were certified in keeping with the National Laboratory Standard GYS 170, which is the general requirement for the operation of a laboratory. The eight medical labs that have been certified are those from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Woodlands Hospital, Dr. Balwant Singh Hospital, Eureka, Medical Arts Centre, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Georgetown Medical Centre Inc., and Quest Medical Laboratory. The other two are the Guyana Rice Development Board’s (GRDB) Central Laboratory and the Kaizen Environmental Services. Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the GNBS, Lloyd David said that the National Standard allows labs to develop a comprehensive management system which will enable them to issue accurate, reliable and consistent test results; while the certification allows the laboratories to determine whether they are performing their work correctly and to the
Public Relations Officer for the GNBS, Lloyd David appropriate standards. David added that, “the laboratories can further be accredited to International Standards. He explained that other countries can send samples to Guyana to be tested, noting that the results will be internationally recognised.” David further said that labs are re-evaluated periodically by the GNBS to ensure that there is continual compliance with the requirements, and that they
are maintaining standard operating practices. He noted that labs are required to participate in the relevant proficiency testing programmes between reassessments, as a further demonstration of technical performance. The PRO told the Government Information Agency (GINA), that if the labs are not upkeeping the standards, upon inspection, they will be given time to make the necessary adjustments and if they do not make those changes after a certain period of time, their certificate can be revoked. David pointed out that there are a lot more laboratories in the country that need to be certified and encouraged them to do so. He noted that it will not be an easy task or process, but once the process is completed, it will give the labs a boost in business and citizens will enjoy and receive a high standard of service. The GYS 170 Standard is (Continued on page 24)
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Monday January 09, 2017
Kaieteur News
Truth and Reconciliation process still needed on Rodney issue - WPA From all indications, the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), is of the belief that the Government has more or less, brushed the Walter Rodney issue under the carpet. WPA Members insist, however, that a process of truth and reconciliation is still needed. Specifically, WPA Executive Member, Dr. David Hinds said that the government is finished with the Rodney matter unless it is pushed. He commented that the Rodney matter is much too sensitive. Dr. Hinds noted that the matter is one which divides the government’s supporters and it pits two member parties of the APNU and the government against each other. In the meantime, he said that the late founder of the Party, Walter Rodney, continues to be a victim of Guyana’s complex and vastly divisive politics. “The People’s National Congress (PNC)’s only interest is to clear the name of their leader; something that is pivotal to the Burnham legacy. And the WPA’s primary concern is to vindicate their repeated charge that the State was actively involved in the assassination of Rodney.” Dr. Hinds said that this is important to the WPA’s sense of justice for Rodney
The late Walter Rodney and the others who were assassinated during that period. “The PPP also has an interest in the matter. For them, the Rodney issue is a ready wedge between the partners in the government. I don’t think they were ever genuinely interested in justice for Rodney.” “I think what the government has done is to kick the issue down the road. But frankly, I don’t think the society has the stomach for another round of the Rodney Affair.” In this regard, Dr. Hinds said that this is most unfortunate, because at the heart of the matter is the issue of political violence against opponents and the silencing of such acts. The political activist said
that the PPP engaged in political assassinations and got away with it because none of the two parties are willing to confront this ugly side of national politics. “My own view is that we need a Truth and Reconciliation process, but I don’t see the major parties agreeing to anything like that in the near future.” COI In 2013, 33 years after his death, the PPP/C government announced a COI into the death of the famous Guyanese who was described as a scholar, historian, activist, formidable orator and, in his latter days, a politician. Dr. Rodney, co-founder of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), was killed when a bomb exploded in a car in which he was an occupant. He was 38 years old at the time. Rodney’s brother, Donald Rodney, who suffered injuries during the explosion, claimed that Former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) electronics expert, Sergeant 4141 Gregory Smith, had given the politician the bomb that killed him. It was alleged that Smith planted the bomb in a walkietalkie that blew up on Rodney’s pelvic region while he was on John Street, Werken-rust, between Hadfield and Bent Streets, less than 100 metres from the Camp
Street Prison. There have also been claims that Rodney’s assassination was set up by the government of Forbes Burnham, whom Rodney was opposed to. This was because his assassination came at the height of a planned civil rebellion against the Burnham-led administration. But Burnham’s party, the People’s National Congress (PNC), had firmly denied being any part of the bomb blast
killing. Both the WPA and AFC had welcomed the announcement for the official probe. In 1974, Rodney returned to Guyana from Tanzania. He was due to take up a position as a professor at the University of Guyana, but the Burnham government prevented his appointment. He became increasingly active in politics, founding the WPA, a party that provided the most effective and credible opposition to
the PNC government at the time. In 1979, he was arrested and charged with arson after two government offices were burned. After his assassination, Rodney received several honours. In 1993 the government of Dr. Cheddi Jagan posthumously gave him the country’s highest national award, the Order of Excellence and the Walter Rodney Chair in History was established at the University of Guyana.
Govt. taking WPA for granted, party’s influence on nation’s direction muted By: Kiana Wilburg The role that the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) is being allowed to play in the coalition administration is limited and Government is taking the party for granted. That’s the frank assessment of political activist Dr. David Hinds. “We have one Minister, one Presidential Advisor and Chairs of Boards of two state institutions, NICIL and GuySuCo,” Dr. Hinds told Kaieteur News. “In addition, Dr. Clive Thomas heads the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU). I think in each of those institutions, despite challenges, our representatives have been trying to bring to bear WPA’s larger praxis of fairness, justice for the poor and the powerless and transparency.” Speaking of the performance of Professor Thomas thus far, Dr. Hinds commented that his presence in policy-making at the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has finally brought some common sense to the sugar industry. Despite some problems at the level of implementation, he contended that for the first time, the nation has witnessed a willingness from the leaders of the day to break out of the political stranglehold in which the sugar industry has been mired. He emphasized that clearly, Thomas’ leadership has made a difference in the larger vision for sugar. On the issue of State asset recovery, Dr. Hinds said that the SARU CEO has also
- Dr. Hinds led the way. “I think he has singlehandedly placed the issue on the front burner and put us on the brink of a major breakthrough in that area of government’s fight against public corruption,” said the University Professor. In the area of education, the political activist said that the Minister, Dr. Rupert Roopnarine has begun to move the education praxis in a more democratic direction whereby more emphasis is placed on the children at the bottom of the social ladder. He noted that the reintroduction of music into the schools is another way of ensuring that education is released from the narrow confines it had reached. But Dr. Hinds still feels that the WPA faces real challenges. “We are part of a coalition within a larger coalition, and given our lack of proximity to core decision making, our influence on the vision and direction of the government as a whole is muted. We also suffer from a simplistic view within the belly of the two bigger partners that since we did not ‘bring votes’ we should not be an influential player. That is a reality that we have no control over.” Despite some positive movement in recent years, the political activist said that the deep suspicion between the PNC and the WPA still exists. In this regard, he said, “There are PNC people who have never forgiven us for contributing to the demise of the previous PNC
WPA Executive Member, Dr. David Hinds government, while there are many WPA people who have not forgiven the PNC government for orchestrating the assassination of Walter Rodney.” Dr. Hinds also stated that this thinking has influenced the leadership of the government to relate to the WPA as individuals rather than as a party. Except for the cabinet where the WPA has one voice, Dr. Hinds said that there is no other medium through which the WPA, as a party, can influence overall decision making. “We have been taken for granted largely because our leadership has taken a conciliatory attitude to the government, whereby in the interest of unity, we have tempered our instinct to be more critical of government’s shortcomings. We have come under a lot of pressure from members and supporters for that approach, which is seen as a departure from our core praxis.” Towards this end, the Executive Member of the WPA said that the party is planning a general members meeting to address this and other burning issues, including morale among some of the members who have been shut out from participation in the government.
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Kaieteur News
NEVER WHICH WAY BUT LOSE! The government finds itself in a bind. It had campaigned on the back of criticisms of the Amalia Falls Hydroelectric Project. It is now faced with a difficult situation. It has to make a decision on a report which while confirming certain problems with the original plan by the PPP/C administration, has found that the project is the quickest path towards sustainable electricity generation. The government will find it politically unpalatable to support this project. They had sermonized on the project’s development, accusing the project of being technically and financially unsound and enmeshed in a
web of corruption. It is now faced with the prospects of having to accept the project, even in a revised format, as the best route to achieving its sustainable energy needs. An independent report commissioned by the Norwegian government has essentially said to the government of Guyana that notwithstanding all the technical and financial concerns about the project, it still is the best option for Guyana. The government has tried to downplay the overall thrust of the report. This has led to uncertainty as to where the government stands on the project. But that uncertainty cannot be resolved by a press conference. It has to be
resolved by a decision by the government on the way forward. The government has clearly found itself without a sustainable energy development plan. It has ideas but no plan. According to the leader of the opposition, the government is only now outsourcing the development of its green agenda. Once that plan is outsourced to foreign consultants, the draft plans which will be produced are most likely going to endorse that independent review of the Amalia Falls Hydroelectric Project. Foreign consultants do not stray far from each other’s paths and you can bet that there will be some form
Dem boys seh...
Businessmen looking fuh big tarpaulin Any company that mekking tarpaulin gun do big business. When SARU talk about going after dem high rise property that some of dem big businessmen was putting up all of a sudden, nuff of dem same businessmen start looking fuh tarpaulin. Dem want to hide de building and de best way to hide dem is to cover dem up. Dem boys did expect some of dem to get bulldozer fuh level de building but de problem was to get de bulldozer high up to level some of de stories at de top. And dem couldn’t dig a big hole under de building suh it could sink. What get SARU suspicious was that de registry had no record of who own what. Of course SARU mek some mistake because de registry had faulty record. SARU buss de bubble when it start to talk about checking to see who pay dem taxes and who had to explain when de money come from. De ordinary people does pay dem tax because de people who dem wukking wid does deduct de tax even before de people get dem pay. But nuff big ones who mekking money don’t even pay. Some ordinary wukking people does pay more taxes than some businessman. Some big business was mekking money hand over fist and paying less tax than an ordinary public servant. Dem boys know people who got property that dem put in people name, but SARU didn’t look so far. Dem see de high rise buildings because that was a sure sign that money was spending. People buy fancy vehicles and even with that
dem smart de tax people. Now dem trying to hide dem same vehicle. People bringing out old Toyota and hiding Lexus and Benz. Some of dem even walking. Dem boys know that some people couldn’t put money in de bank so de best thing was to spend it on buildings. One businessman mek so much money that he build a white elephant. Even mosquito don’t go inside.
Soulja Bai seh that he would try to collect all de tax suh de country could develop. When he seh suh Jagdeo believe that he was joking. Now dem businessmen calling Jagdeo and de man not answering he phone, because he can’t tell dem how to hide de property. Talk half and watch out to see if dem businessman gun start to pay dem taxes.
of qualified endorsement of Amalia Falls Hydroelectric Project when outsourced draft of the green agenda is produced. Politically, it will be a hard pill for the government to swallow. It will be hard for the government to go to its supporters and to say to them that we were right about Jagdeo’s project, but we have no choice. It will be harder for the government to concede to its supporters that it has no choice but to go ahead with the project. The financing of any green development agenda for Guyana will be confronted with the need for government to move forward with this plan. It will be a thorn in the sides of the government. No international firm is going to provide any finance for sustainable energy development, unless it is certain that there is a major hydroelectric project which can come on stream at a short notice. The only such scheme which can materialize, in the short-term, is Amalia Falls
Hydroelectric Project. The problem facing the government is no longer whether to support Jagdeo’s pet project. The government has no choice. It will lose billions of dollars presently held by the IDB for Amalia if it does not go ahead with this project. If the government refuses to continue with Amalia, the Norwegians will most likely ask the bank to return the funds to them. This is the most likely outcome of government rejecting Jagdeo’s project. If the government decides that it is politically suicidal to support Amalia, it will lose all multilateral support for its green development agenda. The government can lobby all it wants about other options, but it cannot escape the consequences of the independent review done on Amaila. That report will haunt any plans the government may have about a green agenda. Granger’s green agenda will be grounded, unless the government comes around to
accepting Jagdeo’s plan or some modified version of it. That is not as hard to do as it may seem. When the ruling coalition was campaigning for office, it has been highly critical of the project, launched by the PPPC, to extend the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. It had been critical of the need for that extension and the cost. Within months of taking office, it was forced to go ahead with that project. It lost no political face and support for taking that decision. But Amaila is a different kettle of fish. That is Jagdeo’s baby and it will be hard for APNU+AFC which seems to be saying that it has no choice but to go ahead with bringing this baby into life. Whichever way the government goes it loses. If it accepts the project, Jagdeo wins. If it rejects it, the green agenda will not materialize.
Monday January 09, 2017
Kaieteur News
PAGE 11
Georgetown M&CC Hearing into Presidential third term ruling to begin Friday to present annual The hearing of the appeal into the Presidential Third ruling is slated to begin on Friday. The matter comes up months after it was filed by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams. The APNU-AFC Government had expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling - by former Chief Justice Ian Chang - that an elected President can run for more than two terms. The ruling, based on Richardson’s Constitutional challenge, was filed in February, 2015. The applicant argued that Act 17 of 2001, which was passed by a twothirds majority of the National A s s e m b l y , unconstitutionally curtails and restricts his sovereign and democratic rights and freedom as a qualified elector to elect former President Bharrat Jagdeo as the Executive President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Richardson had contended that the limit was unconstitutional and illegal. He also wanted the court to determine whether the amendment with a
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams
referendum should not have been held, instead of the twothirds majority in the National Assembly having the powers to decide to limit the number of terms. After several months in the court, the former CJ ruled in favour of Richardson’s argument, setting the stage for Jagdeo to have a third term as President. In his written ruling, Chang, among other things, said that the purported alteration of Article 90 by the
Act No. 17 of 2001, in substance and effect, undoubtedly diminishes the democratic rights of the electorate in electing a person of their own choice as President. When the CJ initially handed down his decision, some legal analysts opined that he erred in his interpretation of the law and noted that the decision should be appealed. Attorney General Williams therefore moved to the Court of Appeal
of the Supreme Court to challenge the decision. In his filed appeal on behalf of the government, Williams stated that he is “dissatisfied with the whole of the decision” handed down by Chang. The Chief Justice’s (CJ) decision came after a constitutional challenge was taken by Georgetown resident Cedric Richardson. He sought the court’s interpretation of the provisions in the Constitution regarding the two-term limit for Guyana’s presidency. In his Appeal, Williams posited that Chang “erred and misdirected himself in the law” in ruling that the National Assembly which passed Act No. 17 of 2001 is unconstitutional and of no effect as it failed to comply with Article164 (2)(a) of the Constitution. The Attorney General believes that Chang also erred in ruling that the Act in question, in substance and effect, diminishes the democratic right of the electorate in electing a person of their own choice as President. Williams also posited that Continued on page 21
budget by month end The Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown is getting ready to present its annual Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure to the citizenry of Georgetown by the end of January, 2017, according to the Public Relations Officer, Debra Lewis. Lewis said that the estimates were fully discussed at the finance committee, and the full council, where senior officers presented their budgets and programme of works for their respective Departments and Sections, for 2017. The Council’s budget for 2017, contemplates the following: Regulatory reform; the introduction and implementation of new by-laws and upgrading of old ones; infrastructure reform; substantial improvement in environmental and public health services, to local communities; capacity building to improve required competencies of staff and upgrades to the Council’s technological capabilities, to improve service delivery; good corporate governance and financial management and green urban development. Lewis also said that, the Council would be working with local groups to promote the concept of Green Communities, which includes: the implementation of an integrated Solid Waste Management Strategy in the city of Georgetown. The budget was finalized and approved by the full Council and signed by the City Treasurer, Ron Mc Calmon. The Finance Chairman, Councillor Oscar Clarke, will present the budget to citizens at a special session as stipulated in the Municipal and District Councils Act chapter 28:01 section 155(2), which states that copies of the estimates approved by the Council shall be submitted to the Minister and copies shall be opened for public inspection. At the budget presentation, stakeholders, including private sector, Government and Non-Governmental Organizations, religious, social community leaders and citizens would be invited to participate in the session.
PAGE 12
Monday January 09, 2017
Kaieteur News
St. George’s Cathedral undergoes rehabilitation - condition of heritage buildings raises issue of ‘National Trust’ The St. George’s Cathedral is undergoing rehabilitation
City Hall is yet to undergo repairs
Rehabilitative works have begun on the historic St George’s Cathedral building, more than one year after repairs were slated to take place. The work includes replacement of rotted boards on several parts of the building, replacement of glass windows and repainting of the structure. But the question that is being asked is how was this historic building allowed to reach this state of disrepair? When Kaieteur News
visited the Cathedral last week, a scaffold was seen at the northern side of the building where the repairs are being done. There are also several gaping holes where rotted panels had fallen out. The Cathedral has several missing and broken windows on numerous parts of the building. Although church officials were unavailable for a comment, a source close to the project explained that the work began late last year. The source explained that
the project is being financed through fund-raising activities and through donations from local and overseas parishioners / donors. “The donations come from former members of the congregation in the diaspora, and especially those in England, the US and Canada, as well as from the local Anglican churches and major donor agencies,” he stated. “A few years ago, the National Trust Guyana had granted the St George’s
Cathedral some money for repairs but, it was only last year that the repairs began, “he added. The source said it likely that the work will be completed by this year end. This national monument, which was designed and constructed under the Anglican Diocese of Guyana in 1899, is among some 400 heritage sites and “things of national interest,” which have been documented on the Monument Register of the National Trust. Citizens and members of the Diaspora had raised concern about the management and maintenance of the heritage sites and historic spaces. Some are calling the issue one of ‘national trust,’ and are calling on the authorities to take better care to preserve these buildings for future generations. Last year, under its capital work expenditure, the National Trust said that major works on the Damon Monument, located in Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast; the Enmore Martyrs’ Monument, at Enmore, East Coast Demerara; the Hog Island Windmill, on the Essequibo River - which is Dutch in origin and is the only type of structure of this nature that can be found in Guyana and Fort Zeelandia, located on Fort Island, Essequibo River were completed. But it is the condition of sites like the St. George’s Cathedral and City Hall that
A scaffold is erected at the northern end of the St. George’s Cathedral
is causing concern among the citizenry. Both structures were slated for reconstruction for some time now. In 2012, the National Trust Guyana had granted the St George’s Cathedral one million dollars for repairs to the eastern wing of the building. The building is under the direct management of the Anglican Diocese of Guyana.
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The National Trust of Guyana is an organization that plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the country’s national patrimony is preserved. Heritage buildings such as the St George’s Cathedral and City Hall are safeguarded by the National Trust. Hence, as it relates to City Hall, the Mayor and City Councillors and the European Union (EU), as well as the National Trust Guyana, are to decide the way forward for the restoration of the 125-yearold structure.
Monday January 09, 2017
PAGE 21
Kaieteur News
Govt. setting stage... UWI Economist on Petrotrin wage dispute…
Strike Linked to Devaluation Trinidad Guardian - A warning that should Petrotrin workers go on strike for a prolonged period of time it could lead to a devaluation of the Trinidad and Tobago dollar against other major currencies with it hitting TT $9 to US $1. That is the prediction from economist Dr Roger Hosein who pointed out that with the TT dollar already under pressure and with a fall in the price of the country’s major export commodities and production of both crude oil and natural gas curtailed, there are already foreign exchange shortages. In an emailed response to Sunday Guardian questions, Hoseinsaid: “A strike would precipitate a fall in export of refined petroleum products and serve the economy a further foreign exchange blow, at a time when it is perhaps most unwanted. It is likely the value of our currency would have to take a hit with conversion ratio of TT$9 to US$1 becoming a real possibility.” He added, “We are very well aware of the decreasing foreign exchange earnings of the Trinidad and Tobago economy associated with declining price and production of its main export good. In 2011 Trinidad and
Members of the Oilfields Workers Trade Union (OWTU) construct a tent at the entrance of Petrotrin administration building in Pointe-a-Pierre on Saturday as they prepare for strike action tomorrow. PHOTO: RISHI RAGOONATH Tobago exported 41.2mn barrels of petroleum products but by 2015 this declined to 34.2mn barrels.” Already strike action in the energy sector has had a negative effect on the country’s foreign exchange situation. In October, the Oilfields Workers Trade Union started strike action against a company called Island Offshore Contractors Limited. That is the company that provided most of the boats to transport workers from Trinmar’s Point Fortin base to its offshore operations. In addition the
company provides emergency support and other services to Petrotrin to keep its Trinmar operations going. The OWTU initiated strike action to force IOCL to pay wages similar to those of Petrotrin workers and in the process has led to IOCL unable to provide transportation services to Petrotrin. Dr Hosein noted that the strike action would in particular harm the economies of towns that depend on Petrotrin’s activities for their sustenance. He pointed to ordinary people who the University of the West Indies
lecturer said would be negatively impacted. “Strike action by stateowned Petrotrin would compromise spill over economic activity in these communities with adverse consequences for the souse man, the pudding man, the gyro man and the little lady hustling geera pork. Collectively, this would affect the amount of value added tax revenues collected which in 2015/2016 was already approximately 50 per cent short of what was forecast,” Hosein told the Sunday Guardian.
Support for Govt. to curtail some Civil Liberties in Fight against Crime The Gleaner - There appears to be some support for the curtailment of certain civil liberties as the Jamaican government search desperately for solutions to the island’s spiralling crime rate. Veteran journalist and Sunday Gleaner columnist, Ian Boyne, has called for the curtailment of some civil liberties to fight the country’s raging murder rate. Last year, more than 1,300 people were murdered in Jamaica. Writing in yesterday’s Sunday Gleaner, Boyne said the only measures that can have an immediate effect on the country’s crime problem are those which involve the curtailment of some certain civil liberties. He says these are not normal times and, therefore, tough anti-crime measures are needed. Boyne criticised the media and people who he describes as the “elite”, including some defence lawyers and human rights advocates who may oppose his views, as being out of
criminals to be removed from the streets. He added that there must be more curfews, searches and detentions in areas with high levels of crime. The veteran journalist said Holness’ courage to address the country’s security problems will be tested in 2017. Holness has said that this year the Government will be
Ian Boyne touch with the realities of the majority of Jamaicans. He compared their disenchantment to the American elite’s aloofness leading up to the 2016 presidential elections. Supporting Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ tough tone on crime in his New Year’s Day broadcast to Jamaicans, Boyne also called for some communities to be locked down and for certain
making tough decisions to curtail murders and other major crimes. The prime minister said the Government would also be implementing legislation to strengthen the rule of law in certain communities and to separate criminals from communities they have captured. The government is to speak to elements of its plan to fight crime this month.
(From page 7) the Opposition. That was the compromised position in 1992 and that has been the way the Chairman has been elected since then. This is not just a tradition; this is the way we overwhelmingly agreed to name the Chairman of GECOM.” Dr. Ramsammy also stated that none of the Chairmen of GECOM since 1992 has been a Judge. He said that Rudy Collins in 1992 was selected by Desmond Hoyte from a list of six persons named by Cheddi Jagan. He said that all the other Chairmen including, Doodnauth Singh, Joe Singh and Steve Surujbally, were selected by a PPP Government after six persons were nominated by the People’s National Congress. The politician stressed that none of these gentlemen were judges and only Doodnauth Singh was a lawyer. “Indeed, none of the nominees from the People’s National Congress (24 in total) were judges.” Furthermore, Dr. Ramsammy opined that it is hypocrisy at its grossest and absolute executive lawlessness for Granger to reject the nominees and signal that he will appoint the Chairman of GECOM in his own deliberate judgment. The PPP member said that the Leader of the Opposition
followed the Carter Agreement of 1992, followed the law and followed the PNC in selecting his list of six nominees. He said that while some of the six could be deemed as friendly to the PPP, some have been merciless in their opposition to the PPP. “The law is important, but assurance and creating an environment of harmony and social cohesion are equally important… The rejection of the six nominees by the Leader of the Opposition to be a next Chairman of GECOM is not about the law alone. It is a declaration by Granger that the PNC in the form of A P N U +AFC has seized power in Guyana.” The former Minister of Agriculture said that it is intended to be a silent coup, but the stink it has already created is a nightmare for Guyana. “The rotten stench is in every home and every corner in our country. It has reached Guyanese and our friends, wherever they live. Freedomloving people, especially those who fought and sacrifice to gain freedom in our country, are no longer under any illusion…As of now; the name APNU+AFC is just a name. The government of Guyana is the PNC,” Dr. Ramsammy concluded.
Hearing into Presidential... From page 11 Chang erred in law in not satisfying himself that the Court has jurisdiction to grant the reliefs sought. With these grounds and two others, Williams asked that Chang’s ruling be “wholly set aside.” In 2000, the Guyana Constitution Reform Commission recommended a maximum of two terms in office for a President. The laws of Guyana were changed in 2001, and assented by former President Bharrat Jagdeo himself, making it clear that, “A person elected as President after the year 2000 is eligible for re-election only once.” However, while Jagdeo has said that he has no intention holding any jobs in Guyana including that of Head of State, he was recently named Opposition Leader and head of the Peoples’ Progressive Party /Civic, (PPP/C).
PAGE 22
VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Toyota Allion PVV series: TV Camera, HID, lights, alarm & remote start $2.2M negotiable Call: 649-0956 Leyland DAF 65 (sand truck). Call: 623-3895 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 6471773/660-5257
Visa Application: U.S.A, C a n a da & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461
Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves – Contact Nick: 6831312, 627-3206
2 Storey house 35X45 3 bedrooms, 1 self-contained @ 5th Avenue Diamond, H/ Scheme.Call:677-0583/664-5052
LANDSCAPING: We design, supply and implement residential and commercial indoor & outdoor landscaping. Call: 648-1821
Riverside property, Roed-enRust, East Bank Essequibo, 3 Miles from Parika. Call: 2662217/694-5109
Hello the doctor is back! Have your gas stove service and repair. Call: 601-0595
One concrete building (incomplete) in residential area. Price negotiable. Call: 699-4114 Transported property $4M per acre, shopping centre/house @ Soesdyke. Call: 615-3054 One two storey building and business for sale @ Anna Catherina W.C.D. Call: 661-9880
Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Repairs to refrigerator, gas stove, A/C units, washing machines. Call Lindon: 6411086/ 694-2202 FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIAL OFFER FOR THE SEASON. CALL: 690-6494
Oswin J’s Auto Imports: New Arrivals: Premio, Allion, Fielder, Axio, Rush, X-Trail. Free full coverage insurance. Call: 609-2815 1 RZ Mini Bus, BTT Series $2.4M negotiable. Call: 6632600/ 226-4419 1-AT 192 Carina, 1- Bluebird Nissan Sylphy, 1-Toyota Raum & 1- Spacio. Call: 6469161/ 687-2648
INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.
Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045
Monday January 09, 2017
Kaieteur News
Working suits and more, professionally made within 3 days. Call Sharmie: 626-2629/ 676-6312 (Canadian Trained)
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPESTRATE . Call: 698-7807
Fully furnished apartment in South & 2 Bedrooms unfurnsihed apartment in Holmes Street Charlestown. Call: 689-5877 2 Bedrooms apartment at Tuschen – Call: 669-1448
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Cargo trawler- Call: 682-8724, 616-5954 Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, video games & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 265-3231
01 Leyland DAF55 Truck, excellent condition, no dump. Call Reaz: 675-4287/ 661-7186
Security Guards. Call: 2181156
Popular East Coast Gas Station (Non-Pareil) Day/ Night: pump attendants, sales clerk & office assistant. Contact: 695-9880/684-4197 Articulated hauler/dump truck operator for interior location, applicants must be experienced with verifiable references. Call: 618-2020
Cleaners. Apply in person @ Shikhan Hotel, Princess Street, Wortmanville. Call: 227-7749
Office Assistant/Customer Representative. Contact Pacific Development Inc, Lot 3 Church Street, G/Town. 1 Canter Driver/Porter preferably from Diamond/ Grove Area. Call: 216-1043/ 677-6620
TO LET
Experienced Diesel machine to work in the Interior must have knowledge of Perkins Engine & Doosan Excavator. Call: 661-5307/ 625-1413
Three bedrooms apartment, recently renovated, free WiFi @ Nandy Park. Call: 6413318
One live in couple or a general domestic to work in Mahaicony River. Call: 6559419/644-6905
1-Bedroom apartment at Queenstown -$35,000 monthly, serious enquiries. Call: 619-1307
1 Female Shop attendant to work in the Interior. Calll: 6780565
Top Flat 3 bedrooms apartment in Eccles. Call: 6544988
Bedrooms to let for students or single person $20,000 & $25,000. Call: 223-9677 Gold mining land for rent. Call: 695-1713/338-2765
1 Male or female to look after layer birds in the Interior. Call: 678-0565 Bahier to cook in the interior. Call: 678-0565 1 Porter to work on vehicle in the Interior. Call: 678-0565 Experienced cleaners, waiters and counter servers. Apply with written application, Hack’s Halaal, 5 Commerce St. (Day Shift only).
LAND FOR SALE Uitvlugt -$2.3M, Zeelugt $1.7M, Tuschen -$1.6M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.4M – Call: 642-1252 One transported house lot in Tuschen, WCD. Call: 6934667/ 277-3743
Wanted land to buy: Uitvlugt, Tuschen, Zeelugt & La Parfaite Harmonie. Call: 6579594 American Variety Store: 140 Regent & Light Street: experienced & mature cashier; apply in person with application. 1 Domestic worker within G/ Town. Call: 223-9677
Design & Make Aluminum windows, doors, stainless rails, showcases, rolling shutters, make & install automatic doors. Call: 2336818/677-5599/659-9999
New Management: GT Express wanted contract cars (1 week free base fee), Dispatcher & Drivers. Tel: 231-0316/ 231-0002 WANTED One able body female shop assistant must know how to cook. Call: 218-3108/ 671-1168
LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).
Lorry drivers and porters to work on water truck. Experienced Required. Call: 682-1048/602-0001
VACANCY
Cook/Baker and Kitchen Assistant for interior location. Applicants must be experienced, for details call: 618-2020
PALMS: Any variety, all sizes, we deliver and plant anywhere. Call: 643-7193
German Shepherd pups for sale. Call: 699-6006
WANTED One Floor Manager, must have at least five (5) years, experience in Hardware Store. Contact # 650-0402
Primary School teachers. Apply to teacher @ OBSC, 8 Oronoque & Lamaha Street, Queenstown. Call: 695-9625
Saturn Jeep Left hand drive, stick gear. Call: 223-9677
One complete sawmill situated at Yarrowkabra Industrial Site Soesdyke/ Linden Highway. Call: 6441190/ 609-8041 DRESSMAKING Turn your flair for fashion in an exciting career or hobby, classes starts in January. Call: 626-2629/ 676-6312
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
1 Live in nanny/domestic to take care of children & home, must know to cook various dishes, 38-48yrs. Call: 6001898 EDUCATIONAL Lessons. Grades 1-6, Queenstown. Call: 695-9625
Live in couple: husband – driving, handyman, semi construction skills an asset. Wife – domestic. Call: 227-1830 One live in cook to work at Port Kaituma. Call: 670-4584/ 658-2019 Live in waitress. Call: 643-9007 One Arc/Acetylene welder construction and fabrication skills, excellent rates. Call: 227-1830
Skill experienced carpenter, apply in person at Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling, Stabroek. Office clerk age 18-25, security guards, care taker to work in Atlantic Garden, E.C.D- Call: 638-5303/2277380 Cashiers & Sales staff @ Nirva Supermarket. Apply in person with written application @ 49 Sheriff & Craig St. Tel: 227-5771 Experienced bar/shop worker & handyman for Interior and G/Town. Call: 231-0363 from 9am-4:30pm Able-bodied driver/salesman for Leyland DAF lorry, involves lifting. Telles Steel. Call: 226-6771 Receptionist, Security Guard, Room Attendant. Apply to 233 South Road – Tel: 2250198 One fast food supervisor, one chef, dhal puri maker, one cashier. Call: 225-0723 for more information.
Monday January 09, 2017
Kaieteur News
Trump acknowledges Russia role in U.S. election hacking – aide
Incoming White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus (R) and U.S. Army Lieutenant General Michael Flynn (C) look at U.S. President-elect Donald Trump as he talks with the media at Mar-a-Lago estate where Trump attends meetings, in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. REUTERS/Carlos Barria Reuters - President-elect Donald Trump accepts the U.S. intelligence community’s conclusion that Russia engaged in cyber attacks during the U.S. presidential election and may take action in response, his incoming chief of staff said yesterday. Reince Priebus said Trump believed Russia was behind the intrusions into the Democratic Party organisations, although Priebus did not clarify whether the president-elect agreed that the hacks were directed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. “He accepts the fact that this particular case was entities in Russia, so that’s not the issue,” Priebus said on “Fox News Sunday.” It was the first acknowledgment from a senior member of the Republican president-elect’s team that Trump had accepted that Russia directed the hacking and subsequent disclosure of Democratic emails during the 2016 presidential election. Trump had rebuffed allegations that Russia was behind the hacks or was trying to help him win, saying the intrusions could have been carried out by China or a 400-pound hacker on his bed. With less than two weeks until his Jan. 20 inauguration, Trump has come under increasing pressure from
fellow Republicans to accept intelligence community findings on Russian hacking and other attempts by Moscow to influence the Nov. 8 election. A crucial test of Republican support for Trump comes this week with the first confirmation hearings for his Cabinet picks. A U.S. intelligence report last week said Putin directed a sophisticated influence campaign including cyber attacks to denigrate Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and support Trump. The report, commissioned by Democratic President Barack Obama in December, concluded vote tallies were not affected by Russian interference, but did not assess whether it influenced the outcome of the vote in other ways. After receiving a briefing on Friday from leaders of the U.S. intelligence agencies, Trump did not refer specifically to Russia’s role in the presidential campaign. In a statement, he acknowledged that “Russia, China, other countries, outside groups and people are consistently trying to break through the cyber infrastructure of our governmental institutions, businesses and organisations including the Democrat(ic) National Committee.”
Trump spokesman Sean Spicer told Reuters the president-elect’s conclusions remained the same and that Priebus’ comments were in line with Friday’s statement. Priebus, the former Republican National Committee chairman Trump tapped as White House chief of staff, said Trump planned to order the intelligence community to make recommendations as to what should be done. “Action may be taken,” he said, adding there was nothing wrong with trying to have a good relationship with Russia and other countries. Republican lawmakers pushed back yesterday on the strategy of cozying up to Putin. Two senior Republican senators urged Trump to punish Russia in response to U.S. intelligence agencies’ conclusion that Putin personally directed efforts aimed at influencing the election. Appearing on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Senators Lindsey Graham and John McCain said evidence was conclusive that Putin sought to influence the election - a point that Trump has refuted. “In a couple weeks, Donald Trump will be the defender of the free world and democracy,” Graham said. “You should let everybody know in America, Republicans and Democrats, that you’re going to make Russia pay a price for trying to interfere.” On Saturday, Trump wrote on Twitter that having a better relationship with Russia was a “good thing.”
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Iraqi forces reach Tigris in Mosul as suicide bombs hit Baghdad Reuters - Iraqi special forces battling Islamic State reached the eastern bank of the Tigris river in Mosul yesterday for the first time in a three-month, U.S-backed offensive to capture the city from the militants, who still control its entire western half. The group also claimed attacks at two Baghdad markets in which 20 people were killed, the latest in a spate of bombings, tactics to which Islamic State is resorting as it comes under pressure in Mosul, its last major stronghold in Iraq. Units of Iraq’s elite counter-terrorism service (CTS) have fought their way to the eastern bank of the Tigris, spokesman Sabah al-Numan said. It was the first time Iraqi troops in the city itself have reached the river, which bisects Mosul, since the offensive to drive out Islamic State was launched in October. Iraqi forces already control the Tigris to Mosul’s south. They are not expected to push across the river without first recapturing the rest of the eastern districts, and in fact all the bridges have been taken out of service by air strikes. But reaching the eastern bank shows the accelerated pace of the latest Iraqi advance, which has made daily gains since restarting 10 days ago. Brett McGurk, Washington’s envoy to the
U.S.-led coalition backing the Iraqi offensive, said in a tweet that Islamic State’s defences in eastern Mosul were “showing signs of collapse”. The CTS has spearheaded advances inside Mosul as part of a 100,000-strong force backed by U.S. air power of Iraqi troops, Kurdish fighters and Shi’ite militias fighting the militants. After a period of stuttering advances in Mosul last month, Iraqi forces have gained momentum in a new push since around the start of the year. CTS forces also clashed with Islamic State fighters near a historic site in eastern Mosul, a senior commander said, in a bid to drive them out of more neighbourhoods. “This morning CTS troops advanced in two directions towards the Baladiyat and Sukkar districts,” Lieutenant General Abdelwahab al-Saadi said. “During the advance, Daesh (Islamic State) tried to confront us from the historic hill,” he said, referring to an elevated area near the ruins of the ancient Assyrian city of Nineveh, east of the river and inside Mosul. Saadi said Iraqi forces and warplanes from the international coalition “dealt with” Islamic State fighters positioned on the hill, and dozens were killed.
Venezuela’s Maduro hikes minimum wage for 5th time in a year Reuters - Venezuela’s socialist President Nicolas Maduro announced yesterday a 50 percent hike in the minimum wage and pensions, the fifth increase over the last year, to help shield workers from the world’s highest inflation rate. The measure puts the minimum monthly salary at 40,683 bolivars - about $60 at the weakest exchange level under the state’s currency controls, or $12 at the black market rate. “To start the year, I have decided to raise salaries and pensions,” he said on his weekly TV and radio programme. “In times of economic war and mafia attacks ... we must protect employment and workers’ income,” added Maduro, who has now increased the minimum wage by a cumulative 322 percent since February 2016.
Nicolas Maduro The 54-year-old successor to Hugo Chavez attributes Venezuela’s threeyear recession, soaring prices and product shortages to a plunge in global oil prices since mid-2014 and an “economic war” by political foes and hostile
businessmen. But critics say his incompetence, and 17 years of failed socialist policies, are behind Venezuela’s economic mess. They say the constant minimum wage hikes symbolize Maduro’s policy failures and fail to keep pace with real on-the-street price rises. Venezuela’s inflation hit 181 percent in 2015, according to official data, though opponents say the true figure was higher. There is no official data for 2016, but most economists think inflation at least doubled from the previous year and will be worse again in 2017. Venezuela’s opposition has said inflation was more than 500 percent in 2016, while the economy shrank 12 percent. The government has given no gross domestic product data for last year.
Transport Minister orders review of security arrangements at local airports KINGSTON, Jamaica - CMC – Transport Minister Mike Henry has ordered a review of security arrangements at the Norman Manley, Sangster and Ian Fleming International Airports. The order was issued following fatal shootings at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport weekend. “While I have every confidence in the security systems and arrangements that are in force in Jamaica, I do not wish to leave anything to chance as a chain can only be strong as its weakest link,” said Henry in a release on Saturday. He added that the review will determine if any additional security measures should be implemented.
In nothing that Jamaica has an enviable aviation record which in recent times, has exceeded the standard that has been established internationally, the Transport Minister also said at times, the screening process at airports may cause inconvenience for some passengers, especially those who are physically challenged. “I apologise for any such inconvenience and I am asking passengers for their patience and understanding as I am taking every step to ensure that the available technology will be acquired and utilized as the safety of passengers is the number one priority,” Henry said.
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FA chief wants to increase prize money on offer for Cup
FA Chief Executive Martin Glenn during the press conference. (Action Images via Reuters / Carl Recine Livepic)
General view of the FA Cup trophy before the match. (Action Images / Paul Childs Livepic)
(Reuters) The Football Association wants to increase the prize money on offer to clubs in the FA Cup and is considering scrapping television appearance fees, chief executive Martin Glenn said yesterday. Under the current system, clubs get paid more money if their game is televised. Yet with only nine of 32 FA Cup thirdround games being broadcast this weekend, several lower-league sides have expressed discontent their games were not chosen for live coverage. “The FA Cup is a great way of redistributing money to the lower leagues. The prize money is 25 million pounds ($30.70 million) and we’re looking to increase that in the coming years,” Glenn told the BBC. “We’ve sold the international rights for more money, and that’s hopefully going to allow us to benefit smaller clubs. Right now it’s a bit of a lottery. “So one of the things we’re thinking about, would be where you just make it a unity
payment, so that everyone would get the same amount. It wouldn’t be quite the lottery it is now. It would seem to be something we could consider.” Glenn defended Premier League Bournemouth, who came under fire for making a full 11 changes for Saturday’s third-round 3-0 loss to third tier Millwall. The FA boss said he understood why top flight teams needed to juggle their resources. “I think Bournemouth were an outlier. (Manager) Eddie Howe can make his own reasons for it. It doesn’t upset me. The Premier League teams really understand the value the FA Cup brings them,” he said. “People want to do well in the cup, but the positive side is that all of these bigger clubs have big squads, you want to give people game time and that’s really important,” he added. “Rotation is a good thing. Giving a chance for young players to get real game experience is not a bad thing.” ($1 = 0.8143 pounds)
Messi screamer salvages draw for Barca at Villarreal BARCELONA (Reuters) Barcelona’s Lionel Messi rescued a 1-1 draw at Villarreal with a sensational late free-kick yesterday but could not prevent the champions finishing the weekend third in La Liga, five points behind leaders Real Madrid. Messi bent a stunning free-kick into the top corner in the 90th minute after Villarreal’s Italian forward Nicola Sansone finished off a breakaway to open the scoring in the 50th as they looked set to record a first home win over Barca in 11 years. Barcelona have 35 points from 17 games, one behind Sevilla, and trail a Real Madrid side who beat Granada 5-0 on Saturday, are unbeaten in all competitions and have a game in hand. “I can’t make a positive evaluation because we needed the three points today,” said Barca coach Luis Enrique. “We aren’t on a very favourable run at the moment and although we kept hitting the target things just would not fall for us.” “Of course there is still time to catch Real. We’re going to have opportunities to fight for the league, although that will not just depend on us but also on them and they are looking very strong at the moment.”
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The pressure was on Luis Enrique’s side after Real and Sevilla enjoyed big wins on Saturday but Villarreal were far from ideal opponents, having held Barca to a 2-2 draw last season and halting their 12-game winning streak in the league. The first clear chance of a vibrant, endto-end game fell to former Barcelona midfielder Jonathan dos Santos, who put too much power on his shot and watched it fly over the bar. Luis Enrique made three changes to the Barca team that lost 2-1 in a King’s Cup last 16, first leg game at Athletic Bilbao on Thursday and it was one of the players he recalled who made the fatal mistake that led to the opening goal. France left back Lucas Digne lost possession in Villarreal’s half and Alexandre Pato strode through the middle unopposed, teeing up Sansone to send the ball home off the far post. Messi hit the post with a sumptuous shot and had a penalty appeal turned down when his effort was blocked by Villarreal captain Bruno Soriano’s hand, while Barca’s Javier Mascherano was also fortunate not to concede a spot kick for handball.
WINDIES-Under-19 champions to tour South Africa ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Young West Indies will tour South Africa later this year as they prepare for their title defence of the International Cricket Council’s Under-19 World Cup. The Caribbean side will play five 50-overs games against the South Africa Under-19s and two warm-up matches against local opposition, in a tour set to run from June 30 to July 27. Rawl Lewis, the WICB’s project officer who oversees the Under-19 programme, said the series, which will be played in Durban, would be key preparation for next January’s showpiece in New Zealand. “We are pleased that our young players will have an opportunity to play in foreign conditions as they prepare to defend the World Cup. This will be a great tour for them,”
the former West Indies leg-spinner said. “We are happy South Africa have agreed to host us. This will form the ideal kind of preparation we are looking for. Although the tournament is a year away and we have a comprehensive framework in place as we build up to the event in New Zealand.” The Under-19s’ preparation will begin in earnest later this month when they do battle in the Regional Super50, the Caribbean’s premier one-day championship which runs from January 24 to February 18 in Antigua and Barbados. They will play alongside reigning champions Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, Windward Islands Volcanoes, Leeward Islands Hurricanes, and English county side, Kent Spitfires.
Kuznetsova opens Sydney defence with win, seeds withdraw
Russia’s Svetlana Kuznetsova reaches to hit a shot during her match against Spain’s Garbine Muguruza. (REUTERS/Steve Holland) (Reuters) Svetlana Kuznetsova opened the defence of her Sydney International title with a comfortable 6-1 6-4 victory over Irina-Camelia Begu yesterday as the Australian Open warm-up event suffered a pair of big-name withdrawals. The Russian fifth seed started strongly by winning 10 of the first 11 games and after her Romanian opponent rallied in the second set to tie it up at 4-4, Kuznetsova broke again in the ninth game and served out the victory in 77 minutes. “I started the year quite good with the feeling,” the 31year-old double grand slam winner told reporters. “Sometimes the results don’t go together with whatever you feel. But I feel very good for the start of the year, and for me it’s a very nice feeling. “I never thought of defending my title or something like that. It’s just
another tournament — the title I have at home and noone will take it away from me. This is another year and another opportunity to play.” Kuznetsova will next face the winner of the match between local favorite Sam Stosur and fellow Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Elsewhere, Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard, a former Wimbledon finalist, also won her opening match with a 76(1) 6-2 first round win over China’s Zhang Shuai. However, fourth seed Karolina Pliskova, who will climb to world number five following her Brisbane title win on Saturday, will not be able to aim for back-to-back victories after she pulled out of the event with a left inner thigh injury. The Czech was joined on the sidelines by Ukraine’s world number 14 Elina Svitolina, who withdrew citing a viral illness. “I’ve had constant headaches for the last two
days and unfortunately in today’s hot weather it got even worse when I was warming up and my body wasn’t ready to compete,” Svitolina, who was seeded seventh, said. With the Australian Open tennis starting in a week’s time in Melbourne, Frenchwoman Alize Cornet also decided against risking a sore back and pulled out of the Hobart International, which she won last year. Cornet was the runner-up in Brisbane after going down 6-0 6-3 to Pliskova in the final. “I am very sad I am not being able to play the tournament at Hobart this year,” she said in a video message on Twitter. “It was meaning a lot to me to come back here and defend my title but I have to be reasonable. “My back is not doing great and I have just one week to get ready for the Australian Open. I hope I can make it on time.”
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Texans beat injury-hit Raiders FIFA proposes Americas-wide qualifying contest for 2026, says official 27-14 in wild card game
Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) runs with the ball in the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium. (Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports) (The Sports Xchange) The Houston Texans, behind a defence that smothered rookie Oakland quarterback Connor Cook throughout, cruised to a 27-14 victory over the Raiders in an AFC wild card playoff game in Houston on Saturday. Cook, a fourth-round pick out of Michigan State, looked every bit like a third-stringer pressed into emergency duty, completing 18 of 45 passes for 161 yards with a touchdown and three interceptions. With starter Derek Carr (leg) and backup Matt McGloin (shoulder) out, Cook was the lone option. The Texans, who led the NFL in total defense for the first time in franchise history, showed Cook no mercy. “We make it difficult on a lot of quarterbacks,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “I think the guy (Cook) has a future in this league. He completed some passes and had some nice plays. We
have a good scheme and more importantly than that, we have a bunch of good players. Guys that play good team defence.” Making their first postseason appearance since the Super Bowl following the 2002 season, the Raiders did not eclipse 100 total yards until their first possession of the fourth quarter, doing so on a 10-yard pass from Cook to tight end Mychal Rivera that also marked their first third-down conversion following an 0 for 11 start. During an eightpossession stretch bracketed by their two touchdowns in the first and fourth periods, the Raiders punted eight times, produced just three first downs, and amassed 28 net yards on 28 plays. The Raiders finished 2 of 16 on third downs and averaged just 2.9 yards per play. “It was his first start, on the road, in a playoff game, against the No. 1-ranked defense,” Raiders coach
Juve set record after... From page 32 the ball into his path. Udinese took a 17th minute lead through Jakub Jankto and twice hit the post before Inter snatched an equaliser on the stroke of halftime when Perisic swept in Mauro Icardi’s pass from 12 metres. The Croatia winger struck again three minutes from fulltime as he headed in Joao Mario’s free kick at the far post. Seventh-placed Inter have won five out of seven games and lost only one since coach Stefano Pioli replaced Frank de Boer, who was sacked after less than three months in charge. Alejandro Gomez scored twice in the first half to help sixth-placed Atalanta thump Chievo 4-1 away, while Sassuolo and Torino played out a goalless draw.
Jack Del Rio said of Cook. “It was a tough draw for him. “We had hopes that we would be able to do enough around him so he wouldn’t have to do as much.” By the time Cook found some rhythm and engineered an 11-play, 75-yard touchdown drive in the fourth, Houston led by 20 points behind a solid performance from quarterback Brock Osweiler. Osweiler reclaimed his s t a r t i n g j o b w h e n To m Savage suffered a concussion last week at Tennessee and he made the most of his second opportunity, passing for 168 yards and a touchdown. He added a rushing touchdown for a 27-7 lead with 12:28 to play, eluding Raiders linebacker Cory James in the open field before scrambling into the end zone. In guiding the Texans to a 20-7 halftime lead, Osweiler posted a 110.0 passer rating and did not commit a turnover. He was, for once, the picture of consistency. “It just goes back to having confidence in my teammates,” Osweiler said. “Believing in what you see and just rip it. Cut it loose and don’t have any hesitation. I trust that my teammates, the skill guys, they’re going to be where they’re supposed to be ... and they’re going to make me look good in the end.” The Texans will face either New England or Kansas City in the divisional round next weekend.
(Reuters) FIFA has proposed merging the CONCACAF and South American qualifiers as part of its plans to expand the 2026 World Cup, a leading official from the region said in a newspaper interview. Venezuelan Football Federation president Laureano Gonzalez said the idea for the merger had come from FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Gonzalez, who is also a vice-president of CONMEBOL, the governing body for South America, said it would want at least 14 places at the finals for the two regions combined before accepting the proposal. CONCACAF represents North and Central America as well as the Caribbean. The FIFA Council is due to vote on Tuesday whether to increase the number of teams at the finals from the current 32 to either 40 or 48 from 2026. FIFA will decide at a later date which regions will be awarded the additional slots. CONMEBOL currently has four-and-a-half places at the World Cup for its 10 members while CONCACAF, which has 35 FIFA members in its ranks, has three-and-a-half places. “There is a suggestion from Gianni Infantino to unify the CONMEBOL and CONCACAF qualifiers,” Gonzalez told the Venezuelan sports daily Meridiano. “This would have support if they gave us more places. At the moment, we have seven between the two confederations, plus two half places,” he said. “If this went up to 14, similar to what Europe has for more or less the same number of teams, the idea would catch on the
continent.” FIFA could not immediately be reached for comment. Europe currently has 13 places for 55 teams, plus one for 2018 World Cup hosts Russia. CONCACAF is also a leading contender to host the 2026 World Cup, possibly with a joint bid involving at least two out of the United States, Canada and Mexico. Gonzalez also said there was “a spirit” in the region in favor of holding a repeat of last year’s Copa Centenario in 2020, but with 24 teams instead of 16. The Copa Centenario, which celebrated the Copa America’s 100th anniversary, was a special tournament in addition to the regular Copa America. The Copa America is played every four years in the year following the World Cup and traditionally features 10 teams from CONMEBOL and two from CONCACAF. The Centenario, however, took place in the United States and featured six teams from CONCACAF plus the 10 from South America. CONCACAF also has its own biennial tournament, the Gold Cup, staged in oddnumbered years. Gonzalez said officials were in favor of another extra tournament in 2020, with a similar makeup to the Centenario but under a different name and with the format increased to 24 teams. “Obviously it wouldn’t be called Centenario,” said Gonzalez. “Our Copa America would continue to be played as usual.” Such a tournament may face opposition from European clubs, where many of the region’s top players are based.
Zaha provides an assist on his debut as Ivory Coast win friendly
Ivory Coast celebrate a goal against Sweden in their Nations Cup warm-up match. (Karim Sajiib/(Getty Images) BBC Sport - Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha provided the decisive cross on his Ivory Coast debut as the African champions beat Sweden 2-1 in an Africa Cup of Nations warmup match yesterday. The former England international, who switched his allegiance to The Elephants ahead of their Nations Cup defence, came off the bench in Abu Dhabi to provide the perfect cross for Giovanni Sio who headed home a winner. An own-goal from Wilfried Kanon had put Sweden ahead, with Yao Serge Nguessan equalising on the stroke of half-time. 24-year-old Zaha was born in Ivory Coast but has two England caps having played against Sweden in November 2012 and
Scotland the following year. As both were friendly matches, he was permitted to commit his international future to his country of birth. The Ivorians have been preparing for the Nations Cup in the United Arab Emirates. They will be heading to Gabon on Thursday and will play their opening Group C game on 16 January against Togo. In other friendly internationals this weekend, Algeria were 3-1 winners over Mauritania; Burkina Faso beat Mali 2-1; Uganda defeated Slovakia 3-1; Senegal were 2-1 winners over Libya and Egypt recorded a rare victory over North African rivals Tunisia, winning 1-0.
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Rawls, Seahawks run past Lions
Seattle Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls (34) runs the ball in for a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half in the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. (Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports) (The Sports Xchange) Thomas Rawls ran for 161 yards and a fourth-quarter
touchdown as the Seattle Seahawks continued their home playoff success with a
26-6 victory over the Detroit Lions on Saturday. Seattle advanced to an NFC Divisional playoff game at Atlanta after winning their 10th consecutive home postseason contest. The Seahawks have not lost a postseason game at home since 2005. The winner of yesterday’s Green Bay-New York Giants game travel to Dallas to face the top-seeded Cowboys in the other NFC Divisional game. Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson, playing without a knee brace for the first time since Week 3, completed 22 of 30 passes for 224 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Rawls had 107 of his 161 rushing yards before halftime and broke the game open with a 4-yard touchdown run with 8:49 remaining. That score, which was followed by a failed point-after kick, put Seattle up 19-6. Rawls had 27 carries on Saturday after an injuryplagued regular season that saw him accumulate just 349 rushing yards. The Lions failed to get across midfield on their next possession, and Seattle ate up almost four minutes of clock before Wilson threw his second touchdown pass to put the game away with 3:36 remaining. Detroit held Seattle to one touchdown over the first three quarters and pulled within 10-6 on Matt Prater’s 53-yard field goal with 4:08 left in the third quarter. Seattle’s Steven Hauschka kicked a 27-yard field goal early in the fourth
quarter. Prater, who booted a 51yarder just before halftime, became the first kicker in NFL history to make two field goals of at least 50 yards in a playoff game. Quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 18 of 32 passes for 205 yards for the Lions, who have lost their last nine playoff games — an NFL record — and are 1-11 in postseason play since 1957. Detroit’s only playoff win in a span of nearly 60 years came in 1992 over Dallas. The Lions had only 231
yards of offense. Detroit scored only one second-half touchdown during its season-ending four-game losing streak. Wilson threw a pair of highlight-worthy touchdown passes to Paul Richardson and Doug Baldwin. Richardson’s one-handed catch of a 4-yard touchdown was one of two receptions the wide receiver made with one hand while a defender was called for pass interference. Wilson finished off his day by throwing a 13-yard touchdown pass to Doug
Baldwin, who reached out to take the ball away from intended target Jermaine Kearse with 3:36 remaining. Baldwin caught 11 passes for 104 yards, while Richardson added three receptions for 48 yards and the touchdown. Seattle advanced to the divisional round for the fifth year in a row and play a playoff game in Atlanta for the second time since the 2012 postseason. The Falcons beat the Seahawks 30-28 at the Georgia Dome in a 2012 divisional game.
GTTA starts 2017 activities with Doubles, Novices and Fundamental Challenge tourney The Guyana Table Tennis Association will kick start its 2017 Calendar of activities with a Doubles, Novices and Fundamental Table Tennis Challenge competition scheduled for the 20th to 22nd January at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue. With an emphasis on ensuring that much more domestic competitions across the length and breadth of Guyana is played and aimed at keeping the players actively training to improve their technical and tactical and marketing the sport among other benefits, the association has mapped out an active domestic calendar which will see competitions occurring every month. The Doubles, Novices and Fundamental Table Tennis Challenge will comprise the following events: The categories to be contested includes · Novices Open Challenge Boys and Girls · Senior Doubles Open · Junior Doubles Open · Pre Cadet Doubles Open · Mixed Doubles · Junior Fundamental Challenge Open · Junior Fundamental Challenge Open · Pre Cadet Fundamental Challenge Open
The Fundamental challenge will follow a format where players can select a partner whom they will team with to compete in knockout competition against other pairs drawn, engaging in One (1) minute forehand rally, one (1) Minute backhand rally one (1) minute pushes with the pair with the highest collective total/ aggregate of completed rallies advancing to the next round through the finals to determine the winner. The tournament is geared to kick start the year’s activities with a more softer competition as a lead up to the more intense and bigger competition with an emphasis on orienting players to the critical importance of the fundamental aspects of the game in a competitive and fun way a release from the association informed. Trophies and Medals and other prizes will be awarded to the top two finishers in the doubles and fundamental challenge and to the top three players in the novice’s category. Players can register with national table tennis coach and General Sect. Mr Linden Johnson on telephone 621-7630, email lindenj20032003@yahoo.com or any member of the Guyana Table Tennis Association.